Who Should I Start? Zaire Mitchell-Paden or Max Klare

Friday, June 26, 5:48 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Max Klare currently sits fifth on the team's unofficial depth chart, but if there's any offense where that should not be viewed as a deterrent, it's Sean McVay's. The Rams had three tight ends on the field for almost a third of their plays in 2025, and by spending one of their only five 2026 draft picks on Klare, that trend looks to continue with Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen all still on the roster. While that sort of depth will allow Klare to develop as he adds play strength, only he and Ferguson are under contract beyond 2027. Not only the two most dangerous pass catchers of the group, but they also appear to be the future of the position. Parkinson and Allen's deals run only through this season, while Higbee is 33 and has been significantly slowed by injury in recent years. Klare could see a package of plays as a rookie to utilize his pass-catching abilities in more of a big slot role, but the second-rounder out of Ohio State factors more as a long-term dynasty play and a buy-low stash fit for a taxi squad in 2026.